WBA "regular" heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16 KOs) is set to make a mandatory defense against former two-time beltholder Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41 KOs). The fight is likely to take place in mid-July in Germany.

Povetkin's trainer, Alexander Zimin, likes the fight.

"For Alexander, Rahman is another step forward to prepare [him] for our main goal - to fight the best boxers in the world," Zimin said.

Povetkin struggled during February's controversial majority decision win over WBO crusierweight king Marco Huck. Zimin doesn't understand what happened, but he wants to correct several items before the Rahman meeting.

"Alexander still has more work to do. He should remove at least [eleven pounds] in excess weight and add more muscle mass. But I do not believe that is the main problem. He constantly tries to end the fight with one punch, often forgetting the rest [of his weapons]. That's something that I'll really have to work on.," Zimin said.

As far as the Klitschko brothers, Zimin feels Alexander will ready after taking on at least three capable challengers.

"I can't say for sure, but I think [he'll be ready in] at least three fights. These fights would have to be held with boxers whose level and style is comparable to the Klitschkos," Zimin said.

lol! if rahman is motivated he could very well knock out povetkin. name 1 HW or opponent sasha has had that can actually punch? the answer is NONE! rahman has a great jab, is big & has one punch knock out power. he has stepped aside twice($250000 for stepping aside for boswell & i'm sure it's sim...

Alexander Povetkin is a coward. And Alexander Povetkin's team are cowards.
Povetkin has been outright ducking Wladimir Klitschko for four years - since Povetkin backed out of his first fight (and a $3.2 million payday) with Klitschko in 2008.
Povetkin's team keeps saying he needs more fights,...